Deficiencies ease in SE Australia, remain in W.A.

The Bureau of Meteorology announced today that above average
August rainfall eased or eliminated short term rainfall
deficiencies in southern Victoria. Further decent falls in
parts of southern W.A. also helped to ease the situation,
however large areas continued to experience significantly dry
conditions.

6-month rainfall deficiencies

The first map
shows the regions in southern and western W.A. that have
serious to severe deficiencies for the six-month period from
March to August. In some places, totals were the lowest on
record for this particular period. Much of this area also
experienced rainfall deficiencies during the 2000 growing
season as well. Above average falls in August gave more relief
to the area near Esperance.

4-month rainfall deficiencies

Rainfall was above to very much above average in August
across Tasmania and southern Victoria and this resulted in the
removal of most of the deficiencies that
had developed since May. However, much more rain is needed
to make a strong impact on water storages that are severely
depleted after nearly five years of generally below average
rainfall.

9-month rainfall deficiencies

There was little change in the pattern of Queensland
rainfall deficits which are largely a reflection of poor summer
rains. For the nine months from December 2000 to August, serious to severe
rainfall deficiencies exist in southern Queensland coastal districts
from Marlborough to Gympie and in an adjoining area stretching from
Roma to Gladstone.